Slovakia head coach Jan Kozak looking forward to Gareth Bale test

06 June 2016 12:46

Slovakia head coach Jan Kozak may be excited about a meeting with Wales' Gareth Bale next weekend, but the Real Madrid fan joked it will be the forward asking him for an autograph after their Euro 2016 opener.

Chris Coleman's team play their first game at a finals since 1958 on Saturday when they come up against a Slovakian side unbeaten in their previous eight fixtures.

They signed off for France with a 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland and will now train their focus on how to stop Bale in Bordeaux ahead of other Group B fixtures with Russia and England.

Kozak is a big admirer of Wales' 26-year-old lynchpin, not that he will seeking him out after the game for a signature.

"Naturally, I'm looking forward to the match with Wales and it is not only because of Bale," he said.

"Clearly he's a top player, one of the best in the world, so we are looking forward to meeting him. Personally, I'm a fan of Real Madrid so I'm personally looking forward to that."

Asked if he would try and get Bale to sign something after the game, Kozak replied with a smile: "Bale, after the game, will ask me for my autograph."

The Slovaks warmed up for Wales with a goalless stalemate against Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland, now unbeaten in 12, in Trnava.

Kozak, whose side had defeated world champions Germany away from home the previous weekend, saw some similarities between the two home nations, yet he was quick to highlight the match-winners Wales possess in their ranks.

"Both of them are very disciplined, cautious and very self-disciplined," he added.

"Nevertheless, I think Wales has more individuals of top players that stand out."

Source: PA